Ryan Endorses Brandon Brown as Community Leaders Search for Andrews
- CUBNSC
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
By Javar Juarez
Greenville, SC — Brandon Brown’s campaign to unseat Lindsey Graham got a major boost this week as former U.S. Congressman and 2020 presidential candidate Tim Ryan traveled from Ohio to formally endorse him at a packed kickoff rally in Greenville. The event, held at Coupes Corner—a swank and polished Black-owned establishment just off Augusta Street—drew a diverse crowd of supporters, community leaders, and faith-based organizers.
While Brown energized the audience with his message of inclusion and grassroots determination, the gathering also raised a pointed question about the Democratic field: Where is Annie Andrews?
A High-Profile Endorsement
Ryan, who spoke passionately about America’s “spiritual crisis,” framed Brown as a leader uniquely equipped to restore compassion and connection in politics.
“We’re in the midst of a spiritual crisis in the United States of America,” Ryan told the Greenville crowd. “We need leaders who actually give a damn about working-class people. Brandon Brown has spent his life with his arm around families in their toughest moments. That’s the kind of compassion we need in the United States Senate.”
Ryan urged supporters to build the “greatest grassroots campaign South Carolina has ever seen” and promised to return in November to help Brown shock the political establishment by sending Lindsey Graham home.
Brandon Brown’s Message
Brown, a small business owner from Greenville with deep ties to the faith community, echoed Ryan’s call for a people-powered movement. He attacked Graham’s record on healthcare, education, and community investment, noting the senator’s silence during major challenges facing the state.
“We need common sense in the United States Senate, and we don’t have it right now,” Brown declared. “What we have is someone who created chaos, who tears down diversity and inclusion, and who stays in Washington instead of coming into our communities. We deserve better.”
Brown called for unity, voter registration, and grassroots outreach in all 46 counties. He emphasized that his campaign is about service and accessibility, asking the crowd for their prayers, financial support, and commitment to voter mobilization.
A Question for Annie Andrews
The kickoff also highlighted a growing narrative shift in the Democratic primary. Dr. Annie Andrews, a Charleston pediatrician who has been framed by national media as the Democratic front-runner, has raised more than $1 million since launching her campaign. Yet, community leaders at Brown’s rally questioned her visibility.
Faith leaders and organizers expressed frustration over what they see as Andrews’ lack of direct engagement with Black churches, grassroots groups, and working-class communities. While Andrews enjoys national backing, Brown is steadily carving out a lane through hands-on presence and endorsements like Ryan’s.
Stacey Mars: Local Democrats Are Fired Up
Greenville County Democratic Party Chair Stacey Mars praised Brown’s local roots and ability to connect with everyday South Carolinians.
“One strength that Brandon has is that he knows South Carolina,” Mars said. “He connects and relates to people. Healthcare is a huge issue—Medicare, Medicaid, basic access to care—and we need leaders who will fight for that. We’re still fighting the same battles we thought were settled with the ACA. It’s time to bring compassion back into politics.”
Mars added that Democrats in the Upstate are “fired up and ready to go,” with local campaigns building momentum for the 2025 municipal and 2026 statewide races.
The Republican Field: Enter Paul Dans
On the other side of the aisle, the GOP primary took a dramatic turn this week with the official entry of Paul Dans, a conservative activist and lead architect of the far-right Project 2025 blueprint. Dans announced his candidacy against Lindsey Graham, promising to realign the Senate with Trump’s America First agenda.
Dans’ candidacy sets up a potential ideological brawl within the GOP, pitting him against Graham, who has long straddled the line between establishment politics and loyalty to Trump. South Carolina Republicans—including Senator Tim Scott and Governor Henry McMaster—remain firmly behind Graham, but Dans is expected to draw significant attention from the MAGA base.
Looking Ahead
The Democratic primary is now shaping into a contest between Brown’s grassroots surge and Andrews’ national fundraising machine, with figures like Catherine Fleming Bruce and Kyle Freeman also in the mix. Meanwhile, the Republican side faces turbulence with Dans threatening to fracture Graham’s base of support.
For now, Brown’s Greenville rally—with Tim Ryan’s impassioned endorsement and Stacey Mars’ affirmation—marks a turning point. The question looming over the race: will Annie Andrews step up her community presence, or will Brandon Brown’s on-the-ground momentum carry him to the nomination?
Brandon has my vote!
This is encouraging. I moved to Greenville from Youngstown three years ago. We love Congressman Ryan!